Tuesday October 1, 2024
Sierra Sun Times —
The white sturgeon sport fishing season opens Oct. 1, 2024, only for catch-and-release fishing. Anglers may continue to fish using 2024 Sturgeon Fishing Report Cards purchased earlier in the year, but all remaining 2024 sturgeon harvest tags are invalid, and no harvest is permitted under any circumstances.
“Catch-and-release provides a balance between maintaining angling opportunities while allowing sturgeon the ability to rebound after years of decline,” said Jay Rowan, Chief of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Fisheries Branch. “Sturgeon have been in California’s waterways for 200 million years and we want to ensure this species not only continues to exist but thrives.”
In support of sustaining sturgeon and California’s fisheries, CDFW has developed the “Conserve the Sturg” campaign that aims to raise awareness about sustainable angling and stewardship for this large, long-lived and prehistoric fish.
“There is a unique thrill to catching this living-legend fish while also releasing it back to its waters knowing that this species will live on for future generations,” said Jonathan Nelson, CDFW environmental program manager.